155 



the metal, and the evolution of an equivalent of hydrogen. The for- 

 mation of these secondary electrolytes, and compound anions and 

 cathions, will probably furnish the key to the explanation of many 

 of those decompositions and recompositions, to which the presence 

 of water is necessar}', such as those of nitric acid on the metals, and 

 the formation of Schoenbein's circuit : but the author reserves for a 

 future opportunity the examination of this hypothesis, as well as of 

 the general question. 



" Experimental Researches on the mode of operation of Poisons/* 

 By James Blake, Esq. Communicated by P. M. Roget, M.D., Sec. 

 R.S. 



In this paper the author examines more particularly the action of 

 those poisons which appear to produce death by affecting the nervous 

 system. 



After reviewing the evidence adduced in support of the opinion, 

 that the effects of some poisons are owing to an impression made on 

 the nerves of the part to which they are directly applied, he proceeds 

 to relate a series of experiments undertaken in order to show with 

 what rapidity the blood is circulated through the body, and tending 

 to prove, that a substance may be generally diffused through the 

 system in nine seconds after its introduction into the veins. 



Experiments are then related in which the more rapidly fatal poi- 

 sons had been used, and in which it was found, that an interval of 

 more than nine seconds always elapsed, between the administration 

 of a poison, and the appearance of the first symptoms of its action. 

 The mere contact of a poison with a large surface of the body ap- 

 pears to be insufficient to give rise to general effects, as long as it 

 is prevented from entering into the general circulation. 



Various causes of fallacy in experiments of a similar kind, which 

 have been adduced in support of an opposite opinion, are pointed 

 out. The following is a summary of the conclusions arrived at by 

 the author. 



1. The time required for a substance to penetrate the capillary 

 vessels, may be considered as inappreciable. 



2. The interval elapsing between the absorption of a substance by 

 the capillaries, and its general diffusion through the body, may not 

 exceed nine seconds, 



3. An interval of more than nine seconds always elapses between 

 the introduction of a poison, into the capillaries, or veins, and the 

 appearance of its first effects. 



4. If a poison be introduced into a part of the vascular system 

 nearer the ner^'ous centres, its effects are produced more rapidly. 



5. The contact of a poison with a large surface of the body is 

 not sufficient to give rise to general symptoms, as long as its diffu- 

 sion through the body is prevented. 



